Four hundred grassroots rugby clubs have been written onto the blades of
Twickenham's hallowed turf ahead of this weekend's Six Nations clash between
England and Italy.

The clubs have been rewarded after signing up to RBS' RugbyForce programme - which aids clubs in improving facilities - and represent the connection between grassroots and the elite game.

With England looking to make sure the smallest detail is ironed out in their bid for Six Nations glory, a micro (rice) writer spent 30 hours inscribing the names of the 400 clubs on the blades.

They measure one millimetre wide and less than four centimetres long.

Jason Leonard, the former England international, said: “RugbyForce is thanking the clubs that keep the game alive at grassroots level; I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Mitcham RFC being given their moment of fame on the international stage. “

Twickenham Head Goundsman Keith Kent added: “I’ve worked here for 10 years and it is the first time I’ve seen anything like this.

"When I was first approached about writing on the blades of grass I thought it wouldn’t be possible. It is a great way of recognising the RugbyForce clubs.”

RugbyForce is now in is fifth year and is run across all four home nations.